Greenhouse, a leading hiring platform, has released its 2024 State of Job Hunting Report, uncovering the harsh realities of today’s job market. From increased ghosting and discriminatory practices to the rise of an AI-driven application process, job seekers face mounting challenges. Surveying 2,500 workers across the US, UK, and Germany, the report highlights heightened anxiety among candidates in a selective and opaque hiring landscape.
Key Insights from the Report
1. The Prevalence of Ghosting and “Ghost Jobs”
- Ghosting on the Rise: 61% of job seekers report being ghosted after interviews, a 9% increase since April 2024.
- Ghost Jobs: 60% of candidates suspect some listings are “ghost jobs” (posted without intent to hire). Greenhouse data reveals 18-22% of job postings on its platform qualify as such.
- Impact on Underrepresented Groups: 66% of historically underrepresented candidates face post-interview ghosting, compared to 59% of white candidates.
2. The Rise in Discrimination and Bias
- Discriminatory Practices: 64% of US candidates report encountering biased interview questions, with concerns about age (55%), race (45%), and gender (42%) being the most frequent.
- Name Mispronunciations: 59% of candidates experienced hiring managers mispronouncing their names, with underrepresented groups disproportionately affected (63%).
- DE&I Importance: Despite backlash against DE&I efforts, 53% of candidates prioritize it in job postings, a significant indicator of its relevance in attracting diverse talent.
3. The Bot vs. Bot Hiring Market
- AI’s Dual Role: Candidates and employers both leverage AI, creating a hyper-competitive environment.
- Recruiter Overload: Recruiters managed an average of 588 applications in Q3 2024, up 26% year-over-year.
- Candidate Perspectives:
- 28% appreciate AI for basic screening, but 15% oppose its involvement entirely.
- 28% of candidates seek transparency about how companies use AI in hiring.
Challenges Job Seekers Face
- Communication Gaps
- Ghosting peaks after recruiter conversations (47%) and during later interview stages (23%).
- 33% of job seekers are willing to provide feedback on hiring processes but are rarely asked.
- Extended Time-to-Hire
- The average time-to-hire increased to 46 days in Q3 2024, yet 40% of candidates expect an offer within 30 days of applying.
- Inefficiencies in Job Matching
- 47% of candidates cite poor job matching as a primary frustration.
Candidate Recommendations for Better Hiring Practices
Job seekers emphasize the need for:
- Stronger Recruiter Communication: Cited by 42% of respondents.
- Application Transparency:
- Unbiased recruiting processes (32%).
- Clear information on AI usage in hiring (28%).
- Elimination of ghost jobs (25%).
- Enhanced Job Matching: 47% want tools to better align their skills with job opportunities.
Expert Commentary
- Jon Stross, Co-founder, Greenhouse:
“The hiring market has become soul-crushing. Companies must recognize that ghosting, spam jobs, and opaque AI practices damage their reputation and hinder long-term talent acquisition.”
- Carin Van Vuuren, Chief Marketing Officer, Greenhouse:
“Organizations are playing a dangerous game by disregarding candidates. The hiring landscape shifts quickly, and companies that fail to adapt risk losing access to top talent.”
The 2024 State of Job Hunting report by Greenhouse highlights the urgent need for employers to improve hiring practices. By addressing ghosting, enhancing transparency, and using AI ethically, companies can rebuild trust and attract high-caliber candidates.
